Understanding Nighttime Clear Aligners
Invisible braces like clear aligners are an increasingly popular choice for adults seeking discreet teeth straightening. Nighttime aligners offer the convenience of straightening your smile while you sleep.
How Do Nighttime Aligners Work?
Night only clear aligners use the same technology as traditional Invisalign with a few key differences:
- Made from thin, transparent BPA-free plastic customized to fit your teeth
- Worn for 10+ hours at night while sleeping
- Changed to a new aligner set every 2 weeks
- Apply gentle constant pressure to incrementally shift teeth
The regular pressure causes cells in bone and tissues to regenerate, allowing teeth to safely reposition into improved alignment. Most nighttime aligner cases range from 10-24 aligner sets over 6-12 months of treatment.
Comparing Top Nighttime Aligner Brands
If youre considering clear aligners, it's important to compare the leading nighttime brands.
AlignerCo
- Cost: $1,495
- Treatment time: 6-9 months
- Made and monitored in the USA
- Free refinement aligners
- Option to pay over time
Byte
- Cost: $2,400
- Treatment time: 3-12 months
- Remote monitoring by dental professionals
- HyperByte vibration device available
- BrightByte teeth whitening included
Candid Co.
- Cost: $2,400
- Treatment time: 6-12 months
- Licensed orthodontist monitoring
- Free aligners for added treatment
- Free retainer after care
SmileDirectClub
- Cost: $1,895
- Treatment time: 4-7 months
- Dentist prescription required
- Free teeth whitening gel
- Access to SmileShops nationwide
Pros & Cons of Nighttime Clear Aligners
Like all teeth alignment methods, nighttime aligners have both advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- More discreet than metal braces
- Removable for eating and cleaning
- Clear material blends into teeth
- Comfortable fit customized to your mouth
- Convenient overnight wear
- Average treatment only 6-12 months
Cons
- Must be worn consistently to work
- Can irritate tongue/gums at first
- Difficult to speak clearly at first
- Aligners break easily if handled roughly
- Must avoid some hard, sticky foods
- Ongoing retention care needed
Are You a Good Candidate?
The best night guard aligner candidates have minor to moderate alignment issues such as:
- Gapped, crooked or overlapping teeth
- Overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded or spaced arches
Those with more complex cases involving jaw alignment or bite issues may require traditional braces or aligners worn full-time.
An Ideal Night Guard Aligner User:
- Has adult teeth fully erupted
- Has healthy teeth and gums
- Doesnt grind teeth or have TMJ
- Can commit to 22 hour consistent wear
Consult your dentist to determine if nighttime aligners are suitable for your orthodontic needs.
Ordering Night Guard Aligners in 4 Steps
Many companies now offer home aligner kits, making getting started simple:
Step 1: Take Digital Impressions
Create oral impressions using an at-home kit and return to the company.
Step 2: Receive Custom Treatment Plan
Doctors will create a tailored treatment plan showing how your teeth will move.
Step 3: Aligners Manufactured & Shipped
Once approved, your aligner series will be made and shipped to your door.
Step 4: Change Aligners Every 2 Weeks
Wear your first set for the initial 14 nights. Replace with the next aligner set every 14 nights thereafter.
Treatment monitoring is included and most companies offer free refinement scans if needed after initial treatment. Expect to wear retainers at night once your alignment course finishes to maintain your new smile.
Caring for Your Night Aligners
Caring properly for your aligners helps them work effectively for the prescribed duration:
- Rinse after removal before reinserting
- Brush and floss daily before reinserting
- Use cleaning crystals weekly to remove residue
- Avoid hot water when cleaning
- Store in protective case when out of mouth
- Avoid staining foods like coffee, tea etc
Are Night Aligners Right for You?
From convenience to discretion to shorter treatment times, night clear aligners offer advantages over old metal braces. Still, careful wearing and maintenance is vital for achieving a properly aligned smile. Compare the top rated companies to find the best solution for straightening your teeth while you sleep!
FAQs
How long do I have to wear night aligners each day?
Most brands recommend wearing your custom set of night aligners for at least 10 continuous hours while sleeping. Consistency is key to achieve desired tooth movement. Honestly tracking your wear time is important.
Can I drink hot or cold liquids while wearing aligners?
No, hot and cold liquids should be avoided while wearing your aligners since extreme temperatures can warp the plastic material over time. Only drink room temperature water with them in.
Do night aligners work as well as full-time wear?
Yes, nighttime aligners move teeth safely into position the same as 22-hour versions given consistent wear time. However, treatment duration may be 1-2 months longer because total wear hours per day are less.
Will night aligners impact my speech?
The aligners may temporarily impact speech clarity for the first 1-2 days when you insert a new set. Your tongue quickly adapts to the contours allowing you to speak normally until switching to the next aligner series.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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